### The reopening of the Congolese Parliament: between security emergencies and budget reconstructions
This Saturday, March 15, 2025 will mark a crucial turning point for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) while the ordinary parliamentary session opens at the Palais du Peuple, in a climate of tension and uncertainty. This key moment, according to the shared opinions of political analysts, is not limited simply to the legislative framework, but raises issues that extend far beyond the walls of Parliament.
#### A context of crisis: the fall of Goma and Bukavu
The fall of two major cities in the east of the country, Goma and Bukavu, under the offensive of the M23/AFC rebels, supported by Rwanda, creates an emergency for Congolese legislators. While discussions for peaceful solutions are underway, the need for rigorous budget control is more relevant than ever. The DRC, already weakened by an ambient economic precariousness, must now juggle the immediate needs of its army, the security of populations and the revival of the economy.
#### Duality of issues: Security and economy
One of the aspects often neglected during crisis analyzes in the DRC is the duality between security and economic issues. The President of the Senate recently stressed that Parliament plays an essential role during this period. The government’s response to external threats must be accompanied by a reflection on viable economic policies that should not be sacrificed on the altar of the military emergency.
Compared to other African contexts, such as Somalia or Sudan, where prolonged instability has led to a total collapse of institutions, the case of the DRC illustrates remarkable resilience. Despite an existential threat, the ability to adapt and the need to institutionalize constructive dialogues between the government and the opposition groups seem to be emerging.
#### Parliamentary commitment: a graduate dualism
The diplomatic aspect of parliamentary debates should not be underestimated. As deputy Christian Mwando said, the opposition is preparing a rigorous control of government action, a form of governance based on a balance of powers. This dynamic can also be interpreted as a sign of political maturity, where the opposition is not content to criticize, but actively engages in the formulation of alternative policies.
Within this session, the application of rapid legislation techniques could also be inspired by practices observed in parliaments such as that of South Africa, which, in times of crisis, has been able to adopt laws favorable to national unity and pacification, while retaining the opposition within the framework of constructive conversations.
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One of the main lessons that could be drawn from this parliamentary opening is the growing need for citizen engagement. This moment could be an opportunity to strengthen the links between voters and their representatives, thus requesting greater participation of the population in the legislative process. In this sense, digital platforms such as Fatshimetrie.org can play a crucial role in facilitating a transparent dialogue and informing citizens of current decisions and debates.
From a statistical point of view, popular skepticism in the face of institutions through the African continent remains high; In the DRC, when governance is perceived as ineffective, the risks of social dissatisfaction increase. Consequently, a parliament engaged in an opening approach could help to revitalize self -government.
#### Conclusion: a parliament in the face of history
While deputies and senators resume their activities after three months of parliamentary vacation, the future of the DRC seems suspended to the ability of these institutions to navigate through the looming storm. The need to balance budgetary, security and diplomacy rigor could well define not only the price of the March session, but also the destiny of the nation over the years to come.
This pivotal moment is not only the occasion for effective legislation: it is the possibility of redefining the relationship between the people and their politicians, while trying to restore peace and a semblance of normality in a nation rich in resources but torn apart by conflicts. Indeed, the real challenge will be to transform current threats into opportunities for a better and more stable future in the DRC.